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Neroli (Citrus aurantium) essential oil is extracted from flowers of the bitter orange tree. Its scent is somewhat floral with citrus undertones. It smells sweet, delicate, and slightly bitter at the same time.

The orange flower was named after the princess Anne-Marie, countess of Neroli, who used it to perfume her bath water. It is now considered one of the finest perfumery ingredients and is particularly important in eau-de-cologne toilet water. The flowers were once popularly used in bridal bouquets to symbolize innocence and fertility.

Historically, neroli has been regarded by the Egyptian people for its great attributes of healing the mind, body, and spirit. It brings everything into the focus of one and at the moment.

Today, neroli essential oil is commonly used for anxiety, emotional balance, relaxing, sensitive skin, and stress. It may also support the digestive system and may help inhibit bacterial infections, parasites, and viruses. Other possible uses include insomnia, menopause, PMS, stress-related conditions, and skin conditions.

The body systems affected by neroli essential oil include the digestive system and skin.

Applications of Neroli Essential Oil and Safety Data

Topical Application: Neroli essential oil can be used neat (with no dilution). Apply to reflex points and/or directly on area of concern.Aromatic Application: Diffuse, or inhale the aroma directly. The aroma of neroli has some powerfully soothing psychological effects. It is calming and relaxing to the body and spirit. It may also help to strengthen and stabilize the emotions and bring relief to seemingly hopeless situations. It encourages confidence, courage, joy, peace, and sensuality.Internal Application: Neroli essential oil can be taken internally. Try diluting 1 drop of neroli essential oil in 1 tsp. (5 ml) honey or 4 oz. (125 ml) of beverage (such as non-dairy milk). It is not to be used for children under 6 years of age and should be used with caution and in greater dilution for children over 6 years of age.Safety Note: Consult with a physician before using if pregnant or being treated for a medical condition.

5 Ways to Use Neroli Essential Oil

1. Diffuse
Here are a few great diffuser blends to help you calm down when stressed, anxious, or needing to sleep:

2. Use in a Massage Oil
Neroli essential oil is very calming to the body and mind. When you get feeling too stressed or anxious, try massaging one of these blends into your tense muscles.

3. Roll on for quick help in calming down or soothing digestive pains.Stress and anxiety follow us wherever we go, so making this Stress Relief Roll-on for on-the-go use can help during those difficult times. Neroli is also beneficial for those who suffer from insomnia or sleep issues, as it helps to relax the mind and calm any emotions that prohibit sleep. Try the Sleep Restfully Roll-on when you have restless nights. Aside from its calming and relaxing properties, neroli is also helpful for the digestive system and may help inhibit bacteria, infections, parasites, and viruses. If you are experiencing digestive pains, chronic diarrhea, colic, or intestinal spasms, try rolling the Digestive Support blend on your abdomen.

Note: These recipes are formulated for 5–6% dilution in a 10 ml roll-on bottle (perfect for daily use if needed). For a stronger dilution, simply cut the amount of carrier oil in half, or use a 5 ml roll-on bottle.

4. Add to a Relaxing Bath
Neroli calms and slows the mind and is useful for insomnia, hysteria, and all states of anxiety and depression. Combine one of the following oil blends with 1/4–1/2 cup (60–120 g) epsom salt, and evenly disperse throughout the tub. Alternatively, you can add these essential oil combinations to these bath bombs. These blends can also be used in a diffuser, roll-on, or linen spray.

5. Create a Peaceful Atmosphere for Romance or MeditationThe reputed aphrodisiac quality of neroli stems from its ability to calm any nervous apprehension that may be felt before a sexual encounter. Neroli can be a means of overcoming sexual difficulties that rise from anxiety or tension. The traditional use of orange blossom in bridal wreaths arose from this property of neroli, though it has long been forgotten.
Try diffusing this blend or use it in a linen spray:

Peaceful Romance:
5 drops neroli
1 drop sandalwood

Neroli also helps in creating a peaceful atmosphere when it is used in meditation. Diffuse neroli essential oil (or the Peaceful Romance blend above), and rub a drop of the oil over the heart to achieve a calm heart and relaxed mind.

5. Nourish Your Skin
Neroli is beneficial for all skin types, especially if there is dryness, redness, or irritation. Neroli stimulates the regeneration of new cells and the elimination of old ones, improving skin’s elasticity. It is generally helpful for all kinds of skin problems such as thread veins, scarring, and stretch marks. Try using the blend below as a facial cream or skin cream to help nourish your skin.

This year, along with the 9th Edition of Modern Essentials, we are also introducing the newest member of the Modern Essentials Family—the Modern Essentials Handbook!As the name implies, the Modern Essentials Handbook is THE book that should be in the hands of every oil user, at home or on the go. And with an anticipated low introductory price, this book is an affordable option to gift to new essential oil users, as well as to have personal copies at home, at the office, in the car, at school, or everywhere that essential oils are used!Features of the Modern Essentials Handbook include:

A beautifully redesigned introduction section that helps new (and old) users quickly and easily learn what essential oils are, where they come from, how they can be used, what tools are essential to use oils effectively, and how to use essential oils safely and effectively.

Beautiful new “Essential Essentials” oil highlight pages that feature additional information and images for some of the top oils and blends (helping new oil users know which oils and blends they should acquire to get started).

Convenient size that makes it easy to slip this book in a purse, bag, backpack, suitcase, or car so it can go anywhere! (The size of the Handbook is 6.75″ x 9″.)

Oil prompts note pages in the back of the book that allow users to keep their favorite oils and recipes handy.

All of the information users need to safely and effectively use pure, therapeutic-grade oils for hundreds of health conditions—physical, mental, and emotional.

A low price, making this very affordable—buy a case to give away to new users, or just have several copies on hand.

A beautiful new cover, with a unique texture and a stunning oil-drop pattern highlight that is visible when it catches the light.

All of these features really make the Modern Essentials Handbook the go-to book that everyone who uses, or is interested in, oils should have in their hands.

This new book complements our traditional Modern Essentials book (which we have given a new subtitle: “The Complete Guide to the Therapeutic Use of Essential Oils”) very well.While the Handbook is the “go-to” book, everyone should have a copy of the big Modern Essentials at home as a reference book for going deeper and learning more about essential oils as well as teaching others about the oils. Modern Essentials goes much more in depth on:

Application methods

Blending

Chemistry and chemical constituents

The historical use of essential oils and aromatic plants

How essential oils affect the body

Published scientific and medical research studies for single oils and conditions that support the therapeutic use of essential oils

Additional charts and illustrations

More detailed information and research supporting the use of ingredients found In essential oil–infused supplements and personal care products

Summer is almost over, and the school year is about to start. As you start gathering your pencils, notebooks, textbooks, and other school supplies, consider gathering some aromatherapy supplies as well. Essential oils can be very beneficial for students and teachers and can enhance the learning experience. In fact, studies have shown that essential oils can help increase memory, enhance concentration, promote calmness, boost energy, and fight bugs.Even just smelling the scent of an essential oil can affect emotions and improve mental clarity. One study showed that “when essential oils are diffused while studying and smelled during a test, test scores may increase by as much as 50%. Different essential oils should be used for different tests, but the same essential oil should be used during the test as was used while studying for that particular test. The smell of the essential oil may help bring back the memory of what was studied.”

Want to give it a try? Here’s how: pick a single oil or an oil blend to inhale while you are studying for your test or attending class. You could even label the oil(s) you choose with a class subject. Every time you study that subject, diffuse those oils or place them in a nasal inhaler and periodically breathe in the scent as you study. During the test, pull out the nasal inhaler again and breathe the scent again when you need a little memory boost.Nasal inhalers make it easy to take the scent of oils with you wherever you go. They even allow you to breathe in the scent without making others around you smell the oil as well. We’ve created 7 essential oil diffuser blends that can also be used in nasal inhalers. Simply drop the oils on the wick; then insert the wick into the inhaler, and push the base in to close it. Place the inhaler close to your nose, and inhale the aroma.

Each of the following diffuser blend recipes can be doubled and placed in a nasal inhaler:

Though many essential oils can be used without dilution, some oils require dilution under certain circumstances or for use on certain people. We’ve received a lot of questions about this topic, so we’re going to try to address all of them in this article.

What is dilution?

Let’s start with a few definitions.Dilution: The word “dilution” refers to combining an essential oil with a carrier oil or other substance so that the essential oil effects are not so concentrated in one area.Neat: If you use an essential oil without dilution, you are applying the essential oil “neat.”Carrier Oil: A carrier oil is a vegetable oil derived from the fatty portion of a plant, usually from the seeds, kernels, or nuts. Carrier oils are used to dilute an essential oil and “carry” it into the skin during topical application.

Why should I dilute my essential oils?

Since essential oils are extremely potent, and because some oils may cause irritation, diluting the essential oil with a carrier oil is often recommended. Children, pregnant women, and those with sensitive skin should always dilute essential oils. Diluting an essential oil in carrier oil is also a great way to help spread the essential oil over a larger area.

When should I dilute my essential oils?

Here are a few tips to help you know when you should dilute your essential oils:

If a rash develops or you feel a burning sensation after applying essential oils, you may not have diluted the oil enough. To help relieve the pain, simply apply more carrier oil to the area.

If you get essential oil in your eyes or on another sensitive area of the body, wash the area with a little carrier oil such as coconut oil.

Always dilute essential oils when using them on children. Kids have thinner, more sensitive skin and smaller bodies, so you don’t need as much essential oil either.

Always dilute essential oils for elderly people. Their skin is also thinner and more sensitive than that of the average adult.

Coconut Oil is a great all-purpose carrier oil because it is moisturizes well for all skin types (especially great for children) and benefits the hair (it nourishes, conditions, reduces protein loss, and helps regrowth after damage). It naturally contains iron and vitamins A and D.

Fractionated Coconut Oil contains a high concentration of capric acid and caprylic acid, which gives it an amazing amount of antioxidant and disinfecting properties.

Jojoba Oil has anti-inflammatory properties and is technically a liquid wax (giving it a really long shelf life).

Sweet Almond Oil is a great massage oil and softens skin and hair. It soothes inflamed, dry, and itchy skin.

Sesame Seed Oil is soothing to the skin and is often used for massage. It is high in natural antioxidants and essential fatty acids.

Avocado Oil contains natural proteins, vitamins, essential fatty acids, and trace minerals. It is great to use on dry, dehydrated, mature, or irritated skin and is especially suitable for hair care.

Sunflower Oil is deeply nourishing and conditions the skin. It is often used to help hemorrhoids, sinusitis, rhinitis, bruising, and ulcers. It also contains essential fatty acids, vitamins (A, D, and E), and minerals (calcium, zinc, potassium, iron, and phosphorus).

Grape Seed Oil is an excellent massage oil and moisturizes the skin well. It also is mildly astringent and antiseptic, so it works great in an aftershave or face wash.

Olive oil is often used to dilute essential oils in capsules and in cooking. It is high in omega-9 essential fatty acid.

How much should I dilute an essential oil?

The amount of dilution needed depends largely on many different factors, such as the essential oil being used and whether or not the person is a child, has sensitive skin, is pregnant, is diabetic, or is dealing with epilepsy or high blood pressure. See Modern Essentials for more information about how much dilution is needed based on the essential oil.

In general, many essential oils can be used neat, but some do require dilution. For most adults, a 1:1 or 1:2 ratio (essential oil drop:carrier oil drop) is a good rule of thumb for most oils. For “hot” oils, such as cassia, cinnamon, clove, oregano, thyme, or lemongrass (and blends that include these oils), the recommended dilution ratio is 1:4.
For children, pregnant women, or those with sensitive skin, we recommend diluting 1 drop of essential oil in 1–3 tsp. (5–15 ml) of carrier oil.

This information has been designed to help educate the reader in regard to the subject matter covered. This information is provided with the understanding that the publisher, the authors, and AromaTools®, LLC, are not liable for the misconception or misuse of the information provided. It is not provided in order to diagnose, prescribe, or treat any disease, illness, or injured condition of the body. The authors, publisher, and AromaTools®, LLC, shall have neither liability nor responsibility to any person or entity with respect to any loss, damage, or injury caused or alleged to be caused, directly or indirectly, by this information. The information presented is in no way intended as a substitute for medical counseling. Anyone suffering from any disease, illness, or injury should consult a qualified healthcare professional.

Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia) essential oil has a wonderful, sweet, floral aroma with herbaceous, balsamic, and woody undertones. The aroma of lavender has been used for many years in sachets, pillows, and potpourri to help promote feelings of serenity and peace.

Lavender essential oil is a universal oil that has traditionally been known to balance the body and to work wherever there is a need. The list of common primary uses, historical uses, French medicinal uses, and other possible uses contains over 120 conditions. So, if in doubt, use lavender!

Body systems often affected by lavender essential oil include the cardiovascular and nervous systems, emotions, and the skin.

Research being conducted on lavender continues to show new possible uses and therapeutic benefits that lavender may possess. To learn more about a number of these research studies, including summaries and sources, please see the book Modern Essentials.

Applications of Lavender Essential Oil and Safety Data

Topical Application: Lavender essential oil is one of the gentlest essential oils and can be used safely on children, pregnant women, elderly people, animals, and those with sensitive skin. It can be applied neat (with no dilution) when used topically. Apply directly on area of concern or to reflex points.Aromatic Application: Lavender essential oil can be diffused or inhaled directly. Lavender oil promotes consciousness, health, love, peace, and a general sense of well-being when inhaled. It also nurtures creativity.Internal Application: Lavender essential oil can be taken internally. Try placing a drop or two under the tongue, taking it in a capsule, adding a little to a beverage, or using it as a flavoring in cooking. If adding lavender to a food or beverage, try using just a toothpick at first, and add more to taste.

5 Ways to Use Lavender Essential Oil

1. Diffuse
The scent of lavender blends well with most oils, especially with citrus oils and other floral oils. As an antihistamine, lavender essential oil is beneficial for relieving allergy symptoms. Its sedative properties make it a great option for promoting a good night’s rest. Try diffusing one of the following blends in your diffuser. You could also add a drop of lavender essential oil to a cloth, tissue, nasal inhaler, or the palms of your hands and breathe in the aroma.

Historically, lemon has been used to fight food poisoning, malaria and typhoid epidemics, and scurvy. (In fact, sources say that Christopher Columbus carried lemon seeds to America—probably just the leftovers from the fruit that was eaten during the trip.)

Application Methods for Lemon Essential Oil and Safety Data

Aromatic: Use a diffuser or put a few drops of lemon essential oil on a cloth, tissue, nasal inhaler, or the palms of your hands to breathe it in. Lemon oil promotes health, healing, physical energy, and purification when used aromatically. Its fragrance is invigorating, enhancing, and warming.

Topical: Lemon essential oil can be applied neat (with no dilution) when used topically. Apply directly on area of concern or to reflex points. Lemon oil can sensitize the skin to ultraviolet light within 12 hours of use. So exercise caution here, and avoid direct sunlight for up to 12 hours after using on skin.

Internal: Lemon essential oil can be taken internally, and it is often used as a flavoring in cooking. Put 1–2 drops of lemon oil under the tongue or in a beverage. It can also be taken in capsules.

5 Ways to Use Lemon Essential Oil

1. Aromatic
The aroma of lemon essential oil can help you get energized in the morning—try a few drops in the corner of your shower stall to circulate with the water vapor. Lemon aroma can also help relieve anxiety or lift a depressive mood. Diffused lemon helps disinfect the air to prevent the spread of sickness, and it facilitates recovery from colds. Try diffusing lemon essential oil alone or in one of the following recipes:Continue reading →

One of our Facebook friends asked us for some recommendations for diffuser blends to use on aromatherapy jewelry. We took the challenge and did some research and experimenting, and now we present to you the following list.

Aromatherapy jewelry is a fairly broad category and consists of any type of jewelry that is porous enough to absorb essential oil such as clay, lava rocks, wicks, felt pads, etc. The oils slowly diffuse by the air current caused by your body movement or existing in the environment. The oils can last anywhere from a few hours to several days (depending on the amount of oil used and the thickness of the oils). Here are a few examples of aromatherapy jewelry that you can purchase from AromaTools:

Aromatherapy Jewelry Diffuser Blends

The amount of oil drops used on aromatherapy jewelry can range from 1–10 drops depending on the type of jewelry. Clay pendants only need 1–2 drops; wicks can use up to 10 drops. Because of this variance, we decided to keep our blend or oil suggestions to 1–4 drops total. If you really like a recipe, try mixing up a slightly larger batch (20 drops total) in a small sample bottle and then applying 1–2 drops of the blend to your jewelry.

One important thing to remember when adding oils to aromatherapy jewelry is to avoid using essential oils that can irritate the skin, because the jewelry is often worn in direct contact with the skin. If you have sensitive skin and know a certain oil causes irritation, then avoid using that oil with your aromatherapy jewelry.

Historically, this most ancient of spices was included in just about every prescription issued in ancient China. It was regarded as a tranquilizer, tonic, and stomachic and as being good for depression and a weak heart.

This oil may be beneficial for circulation, colds, coughs, digestion, exhaustion, flu, infections, rheumatism, and warts. Cinnamon oil fights viral and infectious diseases, and testing has yet to find a virus, bacteria, or fungus that can survive in its presence.

Applications of Cinnamon Essential Oil and Safety Data

Cinnamon essential oil is one of the strongest essential oils, and care should be taken when using it.Topical Application: Before applying cinnamon oil topically, make sure to dilute it 1:3 (1 drop essential oil to at least 3 drops carrier oil). Please note that repeated use of cinnamon essential oil can result in extreme contact sensitization, so make sure to dilute well, avoid when pregnant, and frequently give your body a break in between uses.Aromatic Application: When diffusing cinnamon essential oil, be careful to not inhale directly from the diffuser, as it may irritate the nasal membranes.Internal Application: Cinnamon essential oil can be used in cooking, but make sure to start with only a toothpick and add more if needed.

5 Ways To Use Cinnamon Essential Oil

2. Use in a Romantic Massage Oil
Because cinnamon essential oil is known to be an aphrodisiac and is a warming oil, it makes a great addition to a romantic massage oil. Here is a great recipe to help you and your spouse enjoy an intimate massage together:

4. Add to Cooking Recipes
Cinnamon essential oil is great to add to any of your favorite recipes. We had a difficult time picking from our recipes that use cinnamon essential oil, but here are some of our favorites:

Instructions:

To a small glass bowl, add the emulsifier, essential oils, and dish soap in order; gently stir after adding each ingredient. Pour a little (up to 1 cup or 250 ml) water into the bowl, and stir to combine.

Pour mixture into a gallon-sized (4-liter) water jug (mostly full of water). Place the cap on, and carefully shake to combine. Pour mixture into your 16 oz. glass spray bottles.

To use, spray the tops and bottoms of the plant leaves. It is best to spray on a cloudy day or in the evening so the sun and cinnamon essential oil combination doesn’t burn the plants. Apply every couple weeks or as needed. Wait 2–3 days after spraying to harvest any food.

Frankincense essential oil is steam-distilled from the resin of trees and shrubs in the Burseraceae family. The aroma helps to focus energy, improve concentration, and enhance meditation.

Historically, frankincense was used in the Middle East as an ingredient in holy incense for sacrificial ceremonies and to improve communication with the Creator. The French use it for asthma, depression, and ulcers.

This oil acts as an antidepressant, anticancer, antiseptic, and sedative. It is commonly used to treat allergies, bronchitis, colds, headaches, sores, strep throat, and typhoid. Frankincense is generally recognized as safe for consumption by the FDA and can be used topically, diffused, or taken orally.